Psychiatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Norwich, CT

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Southeastern Mental Health Authority (SMHA), under the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) of the State of Connecticut, is seeking a qualified Psychiatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (PCN 116434) for its Options Outpatient Treatment Program and Community Support Program. This full-time, 40-hour/week position operates Monday through Friday, first shift (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.), located at 401 W. Thames St, Norwich, CT. The role involves providing services in the community as well as office appointments. The position offers professional growth, development opportunities, and a healthy work/life balance. The agency's mission is to promote the health and wellness of individuals with behavioral health needs through integrated, comprehensive services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency. SMHA provides high-quality behavioral health services to individuals 18 years or older with mental health and substance use disorders in New London County and surrounding towns, focusing on recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive care.

Requirements

A Master's degree in psychiatric and/or mental health nursing AND two (2) years of experience as a professional nurse working with individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse issued by the Department of Public Health.
Connecticut Controlled Substance Registration for Practitioners issued by the State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
United States Drug Enforcement Administration Registration issued by the United States Federal Government.
Relevant registration(s) and/or certification(s).
Eligibility for participation in federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S. § 1320a-7b(f).
Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of psychiatric nursing, treatment modalities and concepts of programs for individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Advanced nursing principles and treatments.
Dynamics of behavior at individual, family and group levels.
Knowledge of pharmacology as it relates to advanced nursing practice.
Research methodology.
Considerable interpersonal skills.
Oral and written communication skills.
Clinical assessment and evaluation skills.
Ability to examine, diagnose, assess and treat patients.
Ability to interpret diagnostic tests.
Ability to prescribe appropriate medications and other treatments.
Ability to provide clinical instruction.
Ability to utilize computer software.
Administrative ability.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in the community with clients diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of mental illnesses, including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
Provide clinical services within the Options Outpatient Program, serving approximately 300 patients.
Deliver treatment and support within the Community Support Program, serving approximately 200 patients.
Ensure patient access to medication management, a critical component for individuals with chronic and severe mental illness and substance use disorders.
Support patient stability in the community by providing timely and effective medication management to help prevent the need for inpatient care.
Offer services both in the office and in community settings to meet patients’ needs and promote continuity of care.
Provide consultation, program development, and interdisciplinary cooperation with health care disciplines.
Provide ongoing psychotherapy.
Assess, plan, and evaluate the nursing process using a high level of expertise and clinical independence.
Provide health care to clients and/or individuals using increasingly complex methods of interaction such as group and family therapy.
Evaluate effectiveness of clinical care provided to clients and/or individuals.
Prescribe medication.
Consult with and/or lead members of interdisciplinary teams and community representatives to assess, plan, implement and evaluate health services.
Provide leadership in delivery of quality care.
Assist in establishment of criteria for monitoring of standards of direct client and/or individual care.
Serve as professional role model for staff by demonstrating clinical expertise.
Provide clinical supervision of staff members for the purpose of advancing knowledge in individual client and/or individual relationships, direct care problems, group processes and family therapy.
Convey new and existing knowledge in fields of health to nursing personnel, interdisciplinary team members and community groups.
Protect human and civil rights of clients and/or individuals and staff.
Initiate and support research projects which are carried out in accordance with departmental guidelines.
Lead or co-lead psychotherapy or family therapy groups.
Teach and supervise staff in provision of group therapy.
Provide clinical consultation regarding crisis intervention and mechanisms to prevent crisis situations.
May identify problem areas related to nursing care and assist in collection of data.
Perform related duties as required.